The Bible is filled with human-interest stories. As the different characters move about and speak, we can feel their emotions and realize the authenticity of the narrative. Family relationships are portrayed in vivid detail.
Joseph, Jesus' human father, shows genuine love for his espoused and pregnant Mary. If we had been Joseph, we would have had difficulty understanding the pregnancy because he had never slept with her. She had become pregnant, you see, through the Holy Spirit. The Bible tells us "because he was a righteous man he did not want to expose her to public disgrace" (Matt.1:19). Most men, in Joseph's shoes, would have been concerned about their own reputation rather than that of Mary. If all marriages were founded on such unselfish love, there would be no divorces!
Then we see Jesus' family returning home from their annual trip to the Passover Feast in Jerusalem. After travelling for a whole day, they discovered their Son, Jesus, a boy of 12, was missing. They had to go all the way back to Jerusalem but couldn't find Him. After a three-day search, they found Him in the temple discussing spiritual things with the teachers there. Jesus couldn't understand why they were so upset and told them "I must be about My Father's business" (Luke 2:49).
This story shows the trust Mary and Joseph had in their Son. For one entire day they had travelled, believing He was with the relatives. Many parents would have made certain He was with the right crowd, and that His hair was properly combed before leaving. But they had taught Him, in love, to take care of Himself. Now, as He approached His 13th birthday, He was mature enough to enjoy the freedom they so obviously gave Him. He, like all 12-year olds, had to learn that parents worry about their children when they do not come home on time. But He was free to state His case, and let them know that first things must come first. The author is quick to add "He went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them" (Luke 2:51). He had love and respect for His parents as they had for Him.
The account of Ruth, King David's great-grandmother and ancestor of Jesus, is also a beautiful story of family love.
Naomi's husband had died and her two sons had also died. One son's wife, Ruth, was not an Israelite but was a native of Moab where they lived. When Naomi decided to return to Israel, Ruth insisted on going with her: "Where you go I will go...your people will be my people and your God my God" (Ruth 1:16).
Much has been said about the unselfish love of the youthful Ruth for her mother-in-law, but we might stop to consider why Ruth would feel such warmth toward this older woman? It must have been because the older Naomi had been very accepting of Ruth as the wife of her beloved son. She must not have been jealous of her son's affection for his wife, and didn't look or flaws in this younger woman. Naomi ws rewarded later when Ruth met and married the kindly Boaz to become our Lord's ancestor (Matt.1:5-17).
The Bible characters are so human. Some loved, some hated and performed violent acts of murder, but all were real people just like us.
Although Jesus' earthly father was Joseph, His true Father was God. You and I who become part of the Christian family can also call God our Father (John 1:12). Just as Jesus was obedient to His earthly parents after returning to Nazareth and later to His heavenly Father, we too learn love and respect through kind parents which later turns into obedience to God. We who have been adopted into the Christian family like to obey the rules of the household because we love Jesus.
We love Jesus because He first loved us.
© 1999, Doreen Palmer